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Science News Archive July 2019


Page 37 of 41

Maize-centric diet may have contributed to ancient Maya collapse

An increase in elite Maya's preference for a maize-based diet made the population more vulnerable to drought, contributing to its societal collapse. The study found that a less flexible and less resilient system resulted from population expansion, agricultural intensification, and socially conditioned food preferences.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Tweeting while watching TV diminishes enjoyment

A new study from the University of Connecticut found that tweeting while watching TV decreases viewers' ability to become immersed in the narrative. College students who engaged in media multitasking reported lower levels of transportation into the content and intensified emotions compared to those consuming only one medium.

Measuring the laws of nature

Scientists have re-measured a crucial physical constant with unprecedented accuracy, setting a new benchmark for physics research. The result could help explain nuclear fusion in the sun, understand element formation after the Big Bang, and improve particle collisions at CERN.

Novel computer model supports cancer therapy

Researchers developed a computer model that simulates the metabolism of cancer cells, identifying effective drug combinations and predicting tumor growth inhibition. The model has been tested for colorectal cancer and shows promise for other types of cancer, potentially reducing development time and cost.

Generation and sampling of quantum states of light in a silicon chip

Scientists from the University of Bristol have developed a new platform for quantum simulators, enabling the creation of large-scale photonic circuits. The team demonstrated that small-scale silicon photonic circuits can generate and process unprecedented numbers of photons, paving the way for quantum machines to surpass classical supe...

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Equations help predict the behavior of water in rivers

Researchers developed a system of physics equations to model how water spills out over an earth dike, causing it to break and overflow. The new model takes into account the deformation of the dike's bed while water erodes it, providing more accurate predictions and improving flood safety.

Can mathematics help us understand the complexity of our microbiome?

A mathematical framework describes the ecology of a microbiome-host interaction landscape, allowing for global comparisons and understanding of diverse microbiomes' associations with similar health outcomes. The framework applies equally well to traditional genetic interactions.

Irrigated farming in Wisconsin's central sands cools the region's climate

Research by University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists found that irrigated farms in the region lower maximum temperatures by one to three degrees Fahrenheit on average, while increasing minimum temperatures up to four degrees. This cooling effect can significantly impact local climate, plant growth, and human health.

Higher risk of stillbirth in longer pregnancies, study finds

A meta-analysis of 15 million pregnancies found that the longer a pregnancy continues past 37 weeks gestation, the higher the risk of stillbirth. The risk increased with advancing gestation, with a 64% increase in stillbirths between 40-41 weeks and 3.18 stillbirths per 1000 pregnancies at 42 weeks.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Mechanical vibration generated by electron spins

A team of researchers has developed a method to generate mechanical vibration in microcantilever structures using spin current. The study demonstrates the potential for spin current to act as a driving force for micro machines without requiring electrical wiring.

Innate immune responses to high-fat diets lead to obesity

Researchers found that mice lacking group-2 innate lymphoid cells in the small intestine prevented obesity after eating a high-fat diet. Conversely, reintroducing these cells led to obesity symptoms. The study suggests targeting small intestine ILC2s could be an effective obesity treatment approach.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

The neuroscience of autism: New clues for how condition begins

Researchers have discovered that a gene called Memo1 is necessary for organizing the scaffolding of brain cells, which plays a critical role in proper brain development. Mutations in this gene are linked to autism and can disrupt neural circuit formation, leading to disorganized layers and neuronal misplacement.

Barbara now a major hurricane on NASA satellite imagery

NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites detected Barbara as a powerful hurricane with maximum sustained winds of near 130 mph (215 kph). The storm is a category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 25 miles from the center.

Getting more heat out of sunlight

A newly developed aerogel material can passively capture solar heat, reaching temperatures of up to 220°C in tests. This could enable lower-cost and simpler solar heat collection systems for various industrial and domestic uses.

Study: Brain injury common in domestic violence

A new study by Ohio State University finds that 81% of women who have experienced domestic violence have suffered a head injury, while 83% have been strangled. The research suggests that brain injury caused by blows to the head and oxygen deprivation are ongoing health issues for many survivors.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Physical and mental illnesses combined increase emergency department visits

A large study found that people with both physical illnesses and mental disorders experience a significant increase in frequent visits to emergency departments, compared to those with multiple physical illnesses or mental illness alone. This synergy between physical multimorbidity and mental disorders can lead to a greater impact on pu...

Graphenes now go monolayer and single crystalline

Researchers at IBS have successfully fabricated a single layer graphene film on large area copper foils with no adlayers, achieving adlayer-free and single crystal graphene. This breakthrough enables the creation of high-performance devices with consistent uniformity in the number of layers over large areas.

What do sick kids really want in hospital?

A new questionnaire has measured children's self-reported psychosocial, physical, and emotional needs in hospital settings. The top priorities identified by sick kids include feeling safe, getting enough sleep at night, being listened to, having places for parents to go for food and drinks, and family support.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Researchers cast neural nets to simulate molecular motion

A new machine learning approach enables researchers to encode quantum mechanical laws into neural nets, simulating molecular motion billions of times faster than conventional methods. This breakthrough advances research in fields like drug development, protein simulations, and reactive chemistry.

Researchers identify maximum weight children should carry in school backpacks

A study published in Applied Ergonomics found that primary school-age children carrying loads up to 10% of their body weight experience minimal changes in movement, while exceeding this weight causes significant alterations. Pulling a backpack trolley with loads below 20% of body weight is recommended to avoid discomfort and injury

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Holy crocodiles

A study on the cultural status of saltwater crocodiles in East Timor reveals a complex relationship between humans and animals. The research highlights the importance of incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into wildlife management to address severe human-crocodile conflict.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New chemical tools to modify and study biomolecules

Scientists at EPFL have developed a new method for modifying cysteines on peptides and proteins using ethynylbenziodoxolones (EBXs), allowing for dual attachment points for new chemical groups. This enables the study of biological processes without interfering with them.

Physicists OK commercial graphene for T-wave detection

Researchers successfully demonstrated resonant absorption of terahertz radiation in commercially available graphene, enabling faster internet and a safe replacement for X-ray body scans. The high electron mobility in graphene makes it a promising material for ultrafast photodetectors.

Tiny motor can 'walk' to carry out tasks

MIT researchers have created a set of five fundamental parts that can be assembled into various functional devices, including a tiny walking motor. The new system uses 'digital materials' and offers an alternative approach to constructing robots, which could lead to the development of standardized kits for specific tasks.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Using artificial intelligence to better predict severe weather

Researchers developed an AI framework that detects rotational movements in clouds from satellite images, pointing to potentially threatening storm formations. The method achieved 99% accuracy and predicted 64% of severe weather events, outperforming existing detection methods.

Redefining the limits of measurement accuracy

Quantum sensors achieve extremely accurate results, surpassing conventional physics limits, enabling precision measurements of molecules and improving gravitational wave detectors. The new approach reduces measurement time by half while maintaining or doubling resolution.

Astronomers help wage war on cancer

Researchers are using computer models developed by astronomers to create a rapid diagnostic test that can detect cancerous tissue without unnecessary biopsies. The technology has also shown promise in treating non-melanoma skin cancer, with simulations indicating that it could be effective in killing cancer cells.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

New study shows nanoscale pendulum coupling

Researchers from the University of Barcelona successfully synchronized two nanoscale optomechanical oscillators through mechanical coupling. The study demonstrates collective dynamics that can be controlled by acting externally on one oscillator only.

Foundational study explores role of diet in diabetes complications

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that a combination of high levels of dietary cholesterol with specific saturated fats exacerbates retinal damage in a preclinical model of diabetes. The research used an experimental rat model to examine the effects of different dietary fats on early molecular signs of inflammation and damage.

Antidepressants reduce deaths by more than a third in patients with diabetes

A large population-based study found that antidepressants significantly reduced mortality by 35% in patients with diabetes and depression. This significant reduction highlights the importance of addressing depression in individuals with diabetes, a condition where two to three times more people are at risk of depression.

Cholesterol that is too low may boost risk for hemorrhagic stroke

A study by Penn State researchers found that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels below 70mg/dL increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Participants with LDL levels between 70-99mg/dL had a similar risk, but those below 50mg/dL faced a significantly higher risk of 169%.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Why do mosquitoes choose us? Lindy McBride is on the case

Mosquitoes have evolved to specialize in humans, recognizing distinct human odors through a complex blend of compounds. Researchers study the behavior, genetics, and brain structure of disease-carrying mosquitoes to understand this specialization.

New study challenges claim that exogenous RNA is essential for sperm function

Researchers from the University of Bath have conducted double-blind experiments showing that healthy mice pups can be born from sperm without acquired short RNA chains, challenging a proposed mechanism of epigenetic inheritance. The study undermines claims made by two 2018 papers that reported RNA addition was necessary for fertility.

Using a common anticonvulsant to counteract inflammation

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discover that the anticonvulsant drug papaverine blocks the binding of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) to its receptor, reducing inflammation in sepsis and cancer. The study uses a novel computer-based docking approach to find alternative uses for existing drugs.

BioImage Archive -- A new hub for biological images

The BioImage Archive is a large-scale resource hosting reference imaging data to facilitate global access and analysis. The archive aims to improve research quality, speed up scientific discovery, and advance knowledge in fields like human health, food security, and biodiversity.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Researchers at IDIBELL-ICO describe a new resistance mechanism

Scientists at IDIBELL-ICO describe a novel mechanism of resistance to therapies that prevent blood vessel formation, which involves immune cells acting as tumor malignant elements. The study highlights the importance of targeting Sema4D and its secretion by macrophages to inhibit this mechanism.

Gut microbes protect against flu virus infection in mice

Researchers found that gut microbes stimulate antiviral signals in non-immune lung cells to protect against the flu virus during early stages of infection. Enhanced baseline type I interferon signaling reduced flu virus replication and weight loss in mice.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Tiny supersonic jet injector accelerates nanoscale additive manufacturing

Researchers developed a micro-capillary injector that accelerates nanometer-scale structure fabrication using a supersonic jet of inert gas. The technique allows for rapid production of structures with high aspect ratios, suitable for applications in magnetic memory and quantum communication devices.

Combat veterans more likely to experience mental health issues in later life

A new study from Oregon State University found that military veterans exposed to combat were more likely to exhibit signs of depression and anxiety in later life. The study suggests that combat experience has a unique impact on mental health trajectories in late life, independent of other health issues or stressful life events.

Last chlamydia-free koala population may safeguard future of species

A recent study funded by the Morris Animal Foundation found nearly half of Mount Lofty Ranges koalas positive for Chlamydia DNA, while all Kangaroo Island koalas were free from the disease. The team's results suggest that Kangaroo Island may be a safeguard against further losses and even extinction due to chlamydial disease.